Open Post | Thursday, Jan. 22nd (UPDATE 6:14 pm)

Image of Tren’Davian Dickson via MaxPreps

Site Note: Just wanted to remind everyone to please keep the comments civil. Please avoid any personal attacks. Also, please avoid personal attacks of others, whether they are coaches, administrators, other reporters, etc. Unfortunately, we don’t have the time to monitor every single comment and we’d prefer not to have to. For the most part everyone has been good about it, but we’ve had a few complaints so we just wanted to offer a friendly reminder. It’s important to us that we always be a forum where people can speak their mind, but do so while being respectful of everyone whether they are on this site or people being referred to. Thank you!

Dwaine Thomas: Most of you may have seen by now that Dwaine Thomas received an OU offer yesterday. We’ve been told that Tim Kish stopped by the school and made the offer himself. As many of you also know, Thomas committed to Texas A&M last weekend. We spoke to someone close to Thomas who said that Dwaine is undecided right now on whether won’t he’ll take a visit to Oklahoma. We hope to know more in the next day or so.

Defensive Back Recruiting: With Justin Reid no longer in play, we are hearing that Oklahoma is indeed finished at the defensive back position. One has to believe OU would still take a top prospect if something fell into their lap late, but they seem to be comfortable with their current DB class.

Prentice McKinney: Related to the note above, interesting that stud safety Prentice McKinney out of South Oak Cliff flipped his commitment last night from Notre Dame to North Carolina. McKinney is an excellent safety prospect, and we are holding out hope that OU will try to get involved here late. McKinney, Kahlil Haughton, PJ Mbanasor and Antoine Stephens are an incredibly athletic and physical bunch of defensive backs who can both cover and lay the wood.

Tren’Davian Dickson: Looks like Lincoln Riley has a good eye when it comes to wide receiver talent. Yesterday, he offered 2016 Baylor WR commit Tren’Davian Dickson. Hard to go wrong going after a skill position player the Bears are in on.

– UPDATE (9:16 am): It was talked about as a strong possibility a couple weeks ago, but it would appear Josh Heupel has found a landing spot at Utah State as their new offensive coordinator.

– UPDATE (11:16 am): Welp, that answers that. Best of luck to the young man in College Station. Still remember TFB being one of, if not the first to really help start getting his film out there. Happy he’s getting his shot, wherever that may be.

– UPDATE (12:11 pm): Tireless.

– UPDATE (12:22 pm): Just as a follow up to Monty’s tweet, here are the guys he is planning to visit – Gabriel Campbell (662), Rashard Lawrence (318), Amani Bledsoe (785) & DaiShon Neal (402). Not entirely sure who the ‘903’ (northeast Texas) is at this point. Also worth mentioning that Montgomery was definitely by to see OU 2016 DE offer McTelvin Agim as well.

– UPDATE (12:49 pm): Another one bites the dust.

– UPDATE (2:44 pm): Just got word that Mike Stoops was by South Grand Prairie today to see 2017 ATH Jeffrey Okudah and 2016 QB Greg Eisworth.

– UPDATE (3:23 pm): Bob & Bedenbaugh out on the west coast.

– UPDATE (6:14 pm): Couple quick updates.

 

748 Comments

  • Jason Vos says:

    So no Dareyyl Patterson ?

  • bk816 says:

    Who the QB on his team…kid looks good

  • Sam Philbeck says:

    Any worries about Jefferson going to Ole Miss this weekend or is everyone still pretty solid about him choosing OU?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I’d never underestimate Ole Miss when it comes to recruiting #BagMan

      • Stephen Dale says:

        I don’t think Jefferson is leaving SEC country UNLESS his dad is going to be on the OU coaching staff next fall…. but JMO…..

      • Sam Philbeck says:

        Yeah that’s what I thought as well. I still feel good about Jefferson coming to OU, but I was just wondering what the brainiacs may have thought about it.

      • Michael Darling says:

        +1 Jordan. Totally agree. $EC.

  • Bob Barker says:

    So…. We can criticize certain coaches and call them stupid, but we’re not allowed to call out bad posters. Got it.

    • madbrad says:

      He specifically said avoid personal attacks on coaches

      • Bob Barker says:

        That was my point. In the other TFB post today, they blasted the coaches and called their recruitment of Dwaine Thomas “stupid”. Just seems a little hypocritical to me.

        • Jordan Esco says:

          I said the handling of the kid and decision to offer him only after he has committed elsewhere was stupid.

          That’s WAY different than specifically calling a coach stupid. IMO, it’s certainly possible to be critical of something/one without insulting them.

          I stated my opinion on a situation, not a person. I don’t see how this is really all that complicated other than you seemed determined to make a point about being hypocritical and, IMO, manipulated what I actually said into something to help you make said point.

          • Stephen Dale says:

            Jordan…………………..THANK YOU !!!!!! couldn’t agree more with the way this recruitiment was handled……if the guy was not good enough to have offered months ago, he isn’t good enough now as a “b” list guy to fill a position….Thomas should tell OU coaches he is satisfied being in the SEC and lock the door behind them as they walk out the door.

          • BoomerDave says:

            Stephen, that’s ridiculous. Why do you assume he wasn’t good enough before? Just because they liked others better doesn’t mean he want good enough. If they didn’t think he was good enough to be a Sooner, they wouldn’t have offered! period! Ships are too scarse for that. What is so difficult for you and Jordan to understand about ranking your prospects in order and proceeding down that list in an orderly manner? Not too hard to figure out to me.

          • Rene Goupillaud says:

            Recruiting is an evolving process. You must prioritize, fair to both sides. But you can tell a kid that if things change, you could have a place for him later in the process. If he goes elsewhere, that’s ok, but if he really wanted to come to OU why shouldn’t he have the opportunity to decide if the opportunity presents itself.

            We can all see each athlete differently. but we should all agree that one can’t effectively recruit everybody, just don’t have the time or resources to do so. Since you and I aren’t involved, we see it very simply. I suspect that the coaches evaluate and discuss all targets and prioritize based on several factors. Then they follow the plan. I think Bob and company are very straightforward with each kid and his parents on the level of interest they have in the kid and what the chances are of an offer.

          • Bob Barker says:

            All I did was point out what you said in two different places.

            If I responded to a poster on this site with “WTF!? I can’t even properly express my frustration with the stupidity of what you just said.” You would probably say that was uncivil.

          • Jordan Esco says:

            I’m curious how you know what I would say. I didn’t say what’s in the post above re: civility in the comments, although I do certainly agree w/ it.

            If you want to ignore the point I’ve just made simply to repeat your own, that’s cool. But if you actually read what I wrote, then hopefully you’ll understand the difference btwn what I did & what you appear to be accusing me as having done.

          • Bob Barker says:

            I’m sorry but I don’t follow what you’re trying to say.

            I’m not trying to start anything, and I also don’t disagree that this board should be civil. I just think the same courtesy should be extended to people that aren’t here to defend themselves.

          • Jordan Esco says:

            Not trying to start anything either. All good, let’s just move on then.

          • Bob Barker says:

            Say you love Kish. Say it! JK

          • Jordan Esco says:

            NEVER! 😉

          • Randy says:

            What are the possibilities that recruits like Kenneth Mann, or if we get Neal to flip play OLB ?

          • Paul Warfield says:

            Yes you were. That is exactly what you were doing. It equates to pushing someone than saying….I’m not trying to start anything here.

            How K lets you represent this site blows me away!

          • Jordan Esco says:

            As always, your opinion is appreciated. Now head on back to the Scoop board if you’re looking for someone to praise your genius.

          • Paul Warfield says:

            The scoop board….? I’m a landthieves man. And I don’t need anyone to praise my genius, just think you need to stop being such an emotional toolbag and start treating people with respect when representing a site. Expecting that isn’t too much….other than to expect it from you it seems.

          • Jordan Esco says:

            Who here exactly have I not treated with respect?

            I find it funny that you’d come here on almost every occasion that I see you post, however infrequent that may be, and at least in response to me, attack me in some form or fashion then demand to be treated with respect.

            That’s pretty rich.

            You’re welcome here and welcome to criticize me, my opinion, my intellect, or whatever else you like. I can all but guarantee you wouldn’t be allowed the same courtesy at virtually any of the other OU sites. But if you want me to show you respect for it after having done so, then I’m afraid you have the wrong guy.

          • Paul Warfield says:

            Is this what you do??…just make stuff up? This is literally the first time this has ever happened in here.

            And this isn’t about me getting your respect…it’s about you treating other with respect and acting in a professional manner when representing this site. The way you often treat others is disrespectful and how you go about using this site as a sounding off point for your frustrations with the program because it’s not how you did it on NCAA 2015 is unprofessional.

            I thought this site was supposed to be by former athletes and people who played college football…than it turned in to you taking over.

            Just act professional man…geez

          • Jordan Esco says:

            Let’s see…how shall I address this one.

            If you’re suggesting this is the first time you’ve ventured over here only to insult me or something I’ve had to say/written, then I’d suggest consulting a physician to have your memory checked.

            I treat people here, and elsewhere, with respect, routinely. You, on the other hand, inserted yourself into a conversation that (1) did not involve you and (2) had absolutely nothing to do with you. Then proceeded to tell me what I was doing as though you’d know better than myself. But you’re right, I’m the disrespectful one.

            And as far as what I do on this site, I would like to believe I do several different things. One of which, yes, is to offer my opinion. If you don’t like it, don’t read it. Last I checked this was still a free country. Some people agree w/ it, others don’t. And that’s fine. It’s the way of the world.

            If there’s been any “taking over” on my part (which is absurd to even suggest, but pretty much in line with whatever else you’re attempting to say here), it’s merely a product of me dedicating my time to the site. If you don’t appreciate that and/or don’t care to read what I’m contributing, then by all means don’t. I can assure you I won’t lose a second worth of sleep over it.

            You seem to be one who has the problem as I don’t see a flood of others rushing to your defense or making similar accusations.

            And, again, I’ve extended you a courtesy that you almost assuredly wouldn’t have been allowed on any other site when insulting one of the mods. But by all means, if you’d like I can remove any potential temptation you might have to return to the site if need be.

          • Paul Warfield says:

            You just went back and forth with another guy right above me…and get into it regularly with people on here. I have even seen you get into it with multiple writers I follow on Twitter…funny enough you pull the same act there too. So what am I to believe??? That it’s just me who takes issue with some of the things you say?…it it’s the 100 other people who are all wrong?

            You are so amazingly insecure it’s astoubding yoy can get anything done at all with such a complex.

            All I said here was, you were too obviously trying to start something or be a certain way, or you wouldn’t have posted what you did to begin with. It’s unprofessional to treat others that way…especially from a mod.

            If you would take that chip off your shoulder…and treat others with kindness and respect things like this would not occur. Pretty simple…don’t start nothin won’t be nothin. That by the way is free advice….a courtesy you wouldn’t get from the other pay sites. They would charge you 10 dollars to tell you that.

          • Jordan Esco says:

            Whatever you say, Paul.

          • pitbull17 says:

            Then go back to land thieves. I don’t think anybody, other than you apparently, reading the exchange between Jordan and Bob would think it was Jordan who was trying to start something. It seems like you have a problem with Jordan so why don’t you do us all a favor keep it to yourself.

          • Rene Goupillaud says:

            Civility = Adult deserving respect
            Uncivil = Child in need of quiet time

          • BoomerDave says:

            Splitting hairs Jordan. You state that our coaches acted stupidly in their handling of the Thomas recruitment, yet you are not calling them stupid? As a famous American said, “Stupid is as stupid does”.

    • RBear says:

      Site Note: Just wanted to remind everyone to please
      keep the comments civil. Please avoid any personal attacks. Also, please
      avoid personal attacks of others, whether they are coaches,
      administrators, other reporters, etc… “

      • Bob Barker says:

        WTF!? I can’t even properly express my frustration with the stupidity of what you just said.

        • RBear says:

          Of what I just said? Bob, I merely copy/pasted what Jordan wrote above and bolded the key word in case you missed it. Have a drink.

          • Jordan Esco says:

            Easy now, we hashed it out. All good here.

          • Bob Barker says:

            Keep reading the thread man, I was just making a point.

            And FWIW, I just copy/pasted what Jordan said too, lol.

          • RBear says:

            I read the thread and don’t really care what point you made later, valid or not- I don’t appreciate your choice of words or being used as a pawn to help make your point. Man.

          • Bob Barker says:

            @jordanesco:disqus I think what @reesbear:disqus said just made my point.

            What you said re:Kish was harsh. Now send him some flowers. /s

          • RBear says:

            Collapse

          • pitbull17 says:

            you guys either don’t comprehend what you read or don’t pay attention at all. It wasn’t Jordan who wrote that, it was K. And, Jordan told you just a few posts ago he didn’t write it.

          • Bob Barker says:

            Wrong.

  • Brian says:

    I just can’t for the life of me understand why Kish is out recruiting on his own…Isn’t that the one guy that could use a Montgomery or Bob or Mike?

  • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

    It would make sense for Kyler Murray to choose Texas. They desperately need a QB, have a strong baseball program, he could play with Malik Jefferson and Lodge immediately, won’t play behind Kyle Allen at TAMU, etc.

    While I still think he’ll be TAMU bound, I say Texas is a real player here. Getting Malik, Lodge, and Murray would be a great coup for them

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      I don’t think Murray fits what Strong and UT are trying to do on offense.

      And doesn’t UT have two fairly solid pocket passing QB’s committed in this class? Seems odd. Maybe it’s more of a hope, but I don’t think he ends up there.

    • Jhwig says:

      I know this will be unpopular with most, but I do not see Murray’s game translating to the college level. Very short, Very small…played with a lot of division 1 prospects. Murray is a high risk, high reward type of prospect. The likelihood of Murray not working out in college is high IMO.

      • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

        I don’t disagree. I watched the UA All-Star game when he got sacked by a huge DT, looked pretty small. I think he’ll have some struggles at the D-I level initially and needs to bulk up some.

        With guys like Murray, his popularity with other recruits is equal to his on-field production. Recruits want to play with him. So where Murray goes, other top talent will go (kinda like Joe Mixon last year)

        • Jhwig says:

          I agree.

          I think you definitely take a guy like Murray given the potential.

          We should not get upset if he goes to another school given the risk.

    • Soonersalltheway says:

      Murray’s family are die hard aggies. Dad went there, brother tried to play baseball there and Kyler will go there if he doesn’t go pro in baseball. Kyler could be a 1st round baseball pick according to a guy a coach with who is a Baltimore Orioles scout. If that happens, Kyler would have to turn down over $1 Million to go to college instead of signing a professional baseball contract

      • Stephen Dale says:

        KM would be foolish to turn away such a lucrative amount of money ( if it amounts to THAT much ) and risk being injured in football…….take the money and play baseball ; it is a safer sport………………

        • Soonersalltheway says:

          Yeah I agree.. the only thing that could send him to school is that players who are going to play football and baseball in college tend to slip in the MLB draft because they are labeled as hard to sign. Like Cody Thomas. Out of high school Cody should’ve been like a 10th round pick but fell because teams knew he wouldn’t sign. Grant it that kyler will be offered around $1M when Cody would’ve gotten around $150K

          • Jed says:

            And if you go directly to MLB, you can always put off college until you’re 40 or so and then play for Okie State.

    • HoustonChiver says:

      Supposedly Murray and Lodge posting the UT jersey’s to twitter was just a troll job on their part.

  • Bill Duncan says:

    Why did we never go after Dahu Green? Did he want to go to school outside OK?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I guess we’d have to ask Jay Norvell 😉

    • JB says:

      Being blunt…it’s because our staff has essentially decided to ignore in-state talent other than jenks, Union or Norman North…to our detriment, I might add. I am at a loss to understand how our coaches can ignore the fact that EVERY single national championship team OU has fielded going back to 1950 had a roster with a majority of OKLA players. I do not believe in coincidences.

      • Zack says:

        I would remove Norman north from that list. They passed on kolar and Cornwell. And still haven’t offered hogan who I’m sure would commit on the spot.

        • Jhwig says:

          OU offered another in-state QB (hansen) last year instead of Cornwall, because Cornwall did not fit the system they were trying to run.

          I do not think Kolar will ever see the field at OSU. That being said, Kolar did not fit the “system” they were trying to run at the time.

          Hogan, while a good player, is 2016 prospect with one offer and OU currently has a stable of running backs on campus. The reality is OU can pick and choose when it comes to that position.

          Lastly, you have ignored the fact that OU always attempts to sign the top Oklahoma prospects every year.

          • Zack says:

            I didn’t ignore that fact…I was just commenting on JB’s comment about Union Jenks and Norman north basically being the top priority. I think OU goes after the top talent every year which is why it’s weird they don’t see dahu as a top target.

          • Jhwig says:

            One thing that OU needs is WR talent that can play right away. Dahu does not fit that description. Also, if we are being honest with ourselves and not focused on defending OK talent (which I personally tend to do), Dahu is a bit of a one-trick pony at least on film. He’s about straight-line speed and being bigger than everyone in HS. There are lots of those types of receivers out there…a lot do not make it in college. Since OU is not about collecting bodies at that position, they likely passed on Dahu b/c they didn’t think he could make an immediate impact.

      • Bob Barker says:

        Seriously? What if they just didn’t like the Oklahoma players as much as they did others? Also, I would bet we had more starters from TX on our natty teams as we did Okies.

        • paganpink says:

          Yes. You might use Oklahoma roots as a tiebreaker, everything else being even, but there is simply no way that you don’t recruit the best person you can find. And if you’re wrong you do your best to analyze why you were wrong and move on. But whether it is specific geographic region, or height, or speed or any of a number of variables every kid is a mix of good and bad attributes that recruiters weigh to figure out who has the best chance of success.

      • Jhwig says:

        ” the fact that EVERY single national championship team OU has fielded
        going back to 1950 had a roster with a majority of OKLA players.”

        1. This is not a true statement. 2. According to a more recent study, Oklahoma is #18 overall in producing division 1 prospects with an average of 37 per year. You cannot field a championship team with prospects primarily from Oklahoma, which only makes up 1.6% of all division 1 prospects in the country.

    • Jhwig says:

      Why OU did not ultimately offer Green is probably based on a number of factors…two of which I believe are:

      1. During most of this recruiting period, it was evident that OU was only going to take 1-2 receivers and they were focused on slot guys with speed and excellent change of direction.

      2. OU has several Green-type players (tall, fast without elite change of direction/quickness) on campus that are arguably better but not seeing the field just yet. IMO, Mead and Todd fit this mold. OU also just had a 3 Star in Cavil that “couldn’t cut it.” Cavil and Green are very similar players (though I think Green is a better overall player).

  • Jeremy Phillips says:

    Message board rumor.. In regards to the Jefferson’s & Josh Smith.. this was posted on LT by someone who, supposedly, has a friend that works in the recruiting game…

    According to a “reliable source” Florida is a long shot (he just wants to visit Florida) Ole Miss is gonna be the runner up ( they are putting the full court press on him) Oklahoma will be destination. (His father is very much in play for OU WR job) Adding that if his father is officially offered the job at OU and accepts it, Josh Smith would pretty much be a lock to follow to OU.
    Any way, that’s what I got from the best source I’ve got and he’s been dead on so far.

    • Jhwig says:

      What’s the connection between Shawn Jefferson and Josh Smith?

      • Indy_sooner says:

        Just really good friends. I compare it to the Malik Jefferson/McNeal or Kyler Murray/Lodge thing..

        • Jhwig says:

          Interesting…even though they have not been interested in playing together up until this point (Georgia and Vandy commits). Whatever it takes…I think both are incredibly good prospects.

          • Indy_sooner says:

            Both were soft verbals to begin with and like most kids trigger happy, but seem to have bonded over the recent months. Josh Smith seems to be a very very smart kid, so it’s not at all about the big name.

    • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

      Good find. That poster also said this about Smith & Van Jefferson:

      “They were thought to be a package deal early on but that’s not necessarily the case now. Van could go to OU without his dad going too. Smith’s folks want him with Jefferson and his dad if they both go to OU. If Jefferson’s dad doesn’t go to OU, Smith is more than likely going with Vandy although Oregon is making a late move.”

    • Michael Darling says:

      Greetings fellow Landthievers! 🙂

  • Jonathan Taylor says:

    PC police on the prowl huh?..I can’t understand why Kish would offer someone new so late in the game and only after another team has offered. Looks so desperate in my eyes. I guess it could be that he’s on the hot seat as far as his job goes. Personally if you’re going to offer late might want to look in-state since I think you’d have a better shot this late in recruiting.

    • Jhwig says:

      While I agree the offer was made too late, it is not as if they have not been recruiting the guy for some time now. It was not a “cold” offer.

    • BoomerDave says:

      I guess that means that A&M looks desperate too?

    • Charles Suggs says:

      Kish made the offer when he did because someone higher up the ladder told him to.

      This is not a conversation that happened:

      Stoops: “Can we offer him now?”

      Kish: “Nope”

      Stoops: “Can we offer him now?”

      Kish: “Nope”

      Stoops: “Can we offer him now?”

      Kish: “Nope”

      Stoops: “Can we offer him now?”

      Kish: “OK, we can offer him now”

  • Indy_sooner says:

    I could be in the minority, but I refuse to give up and believe that we cannot make any of the 4 QBs work out at OU. All our guys were elite out of high school but for some reason, it just didn’t translate. I hope Linc can work with these guys first and foremost.

    • JB says:

      Big difference between high school & college level. Many HS studs don’t pan out in college.

    • Mizuno44 says:

      We have an offensive identity again, not a sunset system like the Read Option. Our QB’s need structure, and who knows, perhaps they all need further development and their mechanics adjusted as well. Riley can get this done.

    • paganpink says:

      I agree. There is talent galore and we have seen some who simply excelled in High School against top talent who were seemingly lost with last years system. I would be willing to bet almost anything that Lincoln can help change some of these young guys talent into good D1 quarterbacks by both developing them and having a clear cut notion of what is expected of them and how to get there. Another words our system and our coaching almost surely was to blame for some of the problems all of our QB’s had. And that can be fixed.

    • BloodRed says:

      Indy has their ever been a guy who was just not scouted well at OU?? Perhaps we have had coaches here who just were not good evaluators of talent. Perhaps U might take that into consideration….

      • Indy_sooner says:

        I can’t rule that out, but the probability would be very low. All these guys were top 6 QBS so 0-4 would be a stretch. Cody Thomas had offers from Bama, USC, LSU, Auburn, FL. Justice Hansen , Bell and TK9 were some of the best QBs in the country. Its not an evaluation issue IMHO

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Josh Heupel update added

    • OUhound says:

      Yeah, saw that. Sure hope Josh nails a job that is suitable for him. Utah State could be a great opportunity to polish is coaching and play calling skills and grow all around as a coach for future opportunities.

      • Rico says:

        well said. he might have not been the best as our play caller but he was a hell of a qb for the sooners and that will never be forget

  • OUhound says:

    The link for Dickson is not working for me. Anybody else having that problem?

  • OUhound says:

    Got to agree with Jordan again on keeping the posts classy. That’s what has separated this board from others in my opinion.

  • alouicious says:

    I LOVE THIS BOARD!!!!! <3<3<3<3 (+)

    • BleedyRayWilson says:

      Haha exactly my thoughts.. There’s a poster on this board named “L’Carpetron Dookmarriott”, and his fake screen name looks more real every year…

      • Stephen Dale says:

        always thought Cocaine mothershead was an interesting football name for an Oklahoma prespster … don’t know where he is attending college though—or —if he is going to college ………….

    • Jed says:

      “Dan Smith…BYU”

    • Stephen Dale says:

      Don’t think Dickson will waver from his Baylor commitment unless it is to Texas…he is a good receiver and Navasota has a D-1 prospect at QB, too……

  • BigJoeBrown says:

    IMO…what is pretty impressive about TFB, is how many people look at this site. It’s not really a sports message board forum. Not just anyone can post a topic, it’s not a free for all.

    You have a number coach’s, players, administrators, recruiting services and fans checking out this site. So I imagine, it’s imporatant to remain professional and clean, without ruining relationships with players and personel. TFB has done a great job overall….well done.

  • Zack says:

    Any word on mike Hughes?

  • ellisbr says:

    congrats to Coach Heupel! Hope he has a long and successful career at Utah State

  • KJ1123 says:

    I heard Coach Stoops and B will be out in NoCal today.

  • Mizuno44 says:

    Stay Classy

  • ccmosaic says:

    Good for Josh. I for one hope that he has success and is able to build a system he believes in. I will always pull for a Sooner. Good luck Josh.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    update added

    • Jim says:

      haha, I love the public smack in the face to Kish and co. Perhaps this will wake them up a bit for the future.

    • Mizuno44 says:

      I agreed with you at the time we offered, late nonetheless, shouldn’t have happened. Recruiting gaff equivalent to the late game punt at the end of the season.

  • OklaSooner says:

    And the question is… Why didnt he have an offer if he was good enough to get one.. ?

    • BoomerDave says:

      Because you don’t go and offer everyone that you think is good enough to play at OU right off the bat!!! Why is that so freaking hard to understand??? Everyone agrees that he was and should have been way down on our list of LB recruits, right?? If you offer him and all of your other Plan B types right off the bat and they commit, you are screwed on the other, higher rated LB’s that you would much rather have. Geez! He was a Plan B player for A&M as well, they just pulled the trigger one day earlier.

      • Jhwig says:

        Probably more like Plan C

        • OklaSooner says:

          Relax dude lol. The late offer makes a little more sense now with McKee’s commitment. I just hope this LB class really pans out..

      • BloodRed says:

        Geez dude make your point w/o all the screaming….I think he heard you….

        • Scott Moore says:

          Probably because he has said the same thing like 3 times on this thread. I said it early this morning. I think guys are skipping down or skimming.

  • SoonerSouthoftheRed says:

    Really having a hard time abiding by the above Site Note right now.

  • OUn8v says:

    Best of luck to him. Maybe this will be the clincher for Kish. (fingers crossed)

  • Stephen says:

    Kish made us look so bad there…

    • HoustonChiver says:

      I’m sure it isn’t his decision on who we offer, but he definitely waiting too long in evaluating Thomas’ talent level. Total cock up by the entire coaching staff on that one.

  • SoonerfanTU says:

    Not trying to bash the kid, nor is this sour grapes, but I doubt he is anything more than a role player or special teams player. I might be wrong. Might be. But you’re talking about a kid with no major offers what, 5 days ago? He is being viewed as filler at this point.

    • EasTex says:

      I concur and wish him the best.

      • SoonerfanTU says:

        Absolutely. I respect his decision, and have nothing against the kid. Hope he does well.

        • Zack says:

          I’m not trying to down play this at all but I mean you are right. He’s a kid I wanted but not if it meant we missed out on all our primary guys. I think he’s got a shot to be special but I think he’s 2 years away from being that special player.
          At the end of the day I don’t think people would have been praising the coaches if we landed him. Look at his rating, if we missed out on a bigger target because we took a flier first, then the same people would be mad.

    • Sooner8494 says:

      Sorry but your reply does come off as bashing AND sour grapes. When you start out with “Not trying to..”
      Just wish the kid good luck.

      • SoonerfanTU says:

        How is it bashing to say I don’t think the kid is an OU caliber starting LB?

        • Jhwig says:

          You didn’t. Thomas is still an undersized OLB with good athleticism. More likely to be a role player at any big time program.

      • Zack says:

        At the end of the day rivals just released their new rankings and he’s still a 2 star. I don’t think closing him and missing smith would be a real accomplishment especially for the kish doubters.

    • Jeremy Phillips says:

      His tweet is disingenuous at best.. by that logic he should’ve said the same thing to A&M.. He was committed to ULL long before OU & the Aggies even started recruiting him.. A&M offered a whole 6 or 7 days before OU did…

  • CKill1 says:

    Personally, I like his answer. And he’s right. Best of luck, Mr. Thomas. OU done screwed this up, regardless of what role he would/could have played.

  • SoonerFan11 says:

    They really dropped the ball on Thomas.

  • JTrain51 says:

    Tim Kish couldn’t recruit a fat kid to eat cake……. Smh it’s baffling that he’s still a coach at OU. The writing is on the wall that he is not up to the job and it’s been apparent since he arrived.

  • KJ1123 says:

    It’s tough when you only have a certain amount of offers for each position. Obviously OU wanted to shoot for the best of the class. Although judging from his HUDL film, the kid looks like he should be ranked higher than what he is, but I understand why some kids get offers some don’t. He could of been a fringe player on OU’s board. Time will tell I guess.

  • Cush Creekmont says:

    In keeping things perfectly civil, I will only say positive things about Mr. Kish. I believe he would be a terrific, wonderful insurance salesman.

  • BigJoeBrown says:

    I am tempted to having Kish start recruiting me, I’d love to don the Sooner uniform.
    But alas, I don’t think I would last 5 minutes with Schmity, me being an out of shape 35 year old.

  • Randy says:

    What ILB (commited or not committed) would be the best fit for OU if they are running a 3-4 Defense ?

    • Jhwig says:

      Josh Smith

      • Randy says:

        I agree.. Do we need more OLB’s ? I know we would love to stock pile some (at every position) but I am hoping to get more ILB. If you have not please watch Dom Alexander’s HUDL and of course if you can get that but bigger then I am all for it.

  • rphokc says:

    ……”timeout………….utah state”

  • BloodRed says:

    Gosh for a brief moment I’m not the one being attacked….LOL well spoke too soon…lol

  • Fear The Magic says:

    Im assuming Kish is gone after NSD. The first thing that comes to mind is that between having a new presumably really good recruiting LB coach and tons of potential immediate play for recruits we should kill it in next years class. Kind of looking forward to that.

    • JD says:

      If they’re really gonna let him go you’d think they’d hire a big name right now and grab some guys in this class…why wait until after signing day..I’m not sold that he’s gone…I think the D has one more year to stabilize

      • ccmosaic says:

        I agree that they should just cut him loose now if they are going to cut him loose. And it is possible that the D gets one more year. But I believe they will still cut him loose after NSD. A good LB coach will want to evaluate the talent himself and not be tied to a former coaches kids.
        The reason why we got a new OC was because in my opinion BOb wanted to make sure we had what was need in the QB room. If not then give Riley some time to go find one in this years class. It appears Riley believes he has what he needs on campus.
        I say all this to bring up the point that it is not a bad idea to wait until after NSD to hire a big name as a LB coach.

        • JD says:

          Then why say “A good LB coach will want to evaluate the talent himself and not be tied to a former coaches kids.” yet wait until after signing day…get the coach in now and let him throw some offers out or try and flip some of the guys that were already offered…if its a cfb coach then he would be recruiting right now anyways…makes no sense to wait until after signing day to fire a coach that (at the moment) doesn’t currently have any guys committed (ilb)..usually you would want to wait if you had some guys already and you wanted to hang on to them…I’m just not seeing the damage of making the change before signing day at this point

  • leatherneck1061 says:

    Really wishing JH the best. Good luck Josh – you’ll always be a Sooner in my book.

  • Jeff says:

    What Thomas be a all American and OU blew it!

    • Fear The Magic says:

      If you have room for 4 LBs to commit and you have about 9 LBs ahead of him you can’t really say OU blew it. The problem is that so many kids string out the recruiting process that it becomes a wait and see guessing game.

    • Zack says:

      Considering he has like 3 power conference offers then I would say about 60 other schools will have missed also

  • CoachTalk says:

    You guys think Kish is the only one evalutating LB’s?? You know the DC is as well… Kish isnt the only one handing out LB offers.

  • kt-raida says:

    I think we will be fine without Thomas everyone. Relax I mean the program will totally collapse but after 15 years of rebuilding after not getting Thomas we should be back up to Tulsa status. (Sarcasm)

  • Matt says:

    is kyler murray an option at all?

  • Travis Coyle says:

    Wasn’t Dwaine Thomas committed to Louisiana Lafayette and Louisiana tech at one point? So now he is trashing OU after all this? comes off very fake. So hypocritical that its funny.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      How is he “trashing” OU?

      • Jhwig says:

        No, he’s not.

      • CoachTalk says:

        He is calling them out by name… AM did the same thing OU did… just 6 days later.

        • Jordan Esco says:

          I fail to see how he’s “calling them out.” He simply said that he appreciated the offer, but they were too late. Seems pretty harmless to me.

        • Jhwig says:

          I’m having a hard time understanding how people can argue that the OU offer did not come too late. In addition to it being a personal opinion relating to a personal decision, I don’t think Thomas is objectively incorrect in saying the offer came too late.

          • SoonerfanTU says:

            Did the offer come “too late” to get him? Probably, since he basically said that himself. But maybe that was as soon as OU felt it could offer. We don’t have an endless supply of scholarships. And don’t forget, we were still in on McKee until yesterday/today, and we are still in on Smith. At a minimum.

            You guys are getting upset over a 2* recruit.

          • Jhwig says:

            Not upset. I personally think the guy is merely a role player…never a starter/major contributor.

            I think you need to scroll up and see what I was responding to…

    • J.r. Kamm says:

      How is he trashing OU?

  • Brian says:

    Love that Monty is going after the elite 2016 kids already!

  • Randy says:

    I would love to see OU get into Arkansas more, I see more and more talent here every year.

  • Fear The Magic says:

    OU Should institute a coaches recruiting incentive clause. 20K for each 5* brought in and 10K for a 4* ….. I have a feeling if they did that then Monty would become a very wealthy young man very fast.

    • Katyboomer says:

      who knows that may already be in place, but if not I like the way your thinking. CJM will be rich LOL

  • Stephen says:

    Anthony Mckee commits to Pitt.

  • Zack says:

    https://twitter.com/rivalsmike/status/558325475907735552

    I haven’t seen this posted here yet. Sounds good to me

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Pretty much in line w/ what TFB posted yesterday.

      • Zack says:

        Yep. Is there any more on the subject of his dad as the possible wr coach. Or are you guys hearing more that his dad may have some connection to the desired coach

        • Jordan Esco says:

          Kind of cooled from what we’d initially heard. Logic reasons mostly. Other than the chance to coach your son, hard to really justify making a move from where he’s at in the NFL to do virtually the same thing on the college level.

    • Fear The Magic says:

      Im guessing Mike Farrell reads the Brainiacs.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Oh, boy….another update you’re just going to love.

  • soonerborn says:

    McKee committs to Pitt.

  • BloodRed says:

    Saw this Article. While it does not have a direct correlation to OU football, in the big end of things it could…It’s a contrast of style of play etc…Great Read.

    http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000462006/article/u-mad-bro-game-looms-as-patriots-seahawks-prep-for-rematch

  • JD says:

    I wonder if McKee told Kish yesterday hence the Thomas offer…or was McKee cool on us for a while now

  • soonerborn says:

    Will DeBerry look else where if OU can’t bring in a LB or two to help him? I see that McGinnis is starting to back off us.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Best I can tell, OU has made 22 LB offers. You don’t need me to tell you how many commits they currently have at the position.

    Only really in on two more guys now as well w/ McKee off the board. If they miss on Smith and/or McGinnis….

    • DCinAZ says:

      Any thoughts on what’s going on with the LB recruiting?

    • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

      Here’s hoping guys from last year’s class can perform well next season (Bond, Bolton, Tay Evans) and DeBerry sticks with OU

    • JD says:

      The way things are looking Whitfield will have an offer before long

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      Who can argue with a .045% success rate?

    • Jhwig says:

      I know people are going to be upset in general, but McKee made less sense than Thomas IMO. To say that McKee would have been an undersized LB in a 3-4, would be an understatement.

      I realize we need warm bodies, but this guy was not going to make it on the field for a while, if ever.

      • Jordan Esco says:

        I totally agree. But as you alluded to, it’s more the ‘big picture’ perspective in play here, IMO, than it is just this one player.

        • Jhwig says:

          If we put a bow on McGinnis and Smith (that’s 3 elite/fringe elite LB prospects with DeBerry) and take a flyer on a guy like Sternberger out of Kingfisher…and just focus on 2016.

          I think we did the same thing last year with DB recruits and maybe some offensive lineman, and we started trying to collect bodies and ended up with some guys that probably should never have been offered…one of two of which never made it to campus (Vontre McQuinnie and Natrell Curtis).

          • SoonerfanTU says:

            I wouldn’t even take the flyer. Take Smith, McGinnis, and DeBerry, call it a day, and wait until next year.

          • Jhwig says:

            I personally think Sternberger is a better fit than McKee in OU’s 3-4.

    • Mr. Jones says:

      I definitely get that we need help in this class of LB’s. But a positive LB note is how things look for 2016 as of right now with guys like Caleb Kelly and Dontavious Jackson if he’s offered, right?

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      And I fully expect Kish to lose his job within the next, say, 2 months, b/c of this.

  • sooner44 says:

    George is getting upset

  • Randy says:

    Quinn Fabrizio – #33 Senior SS OLB – Alta High School this is the kid I would like to see at ILB.. Along with Mckinley Whitfield.

  • SoonerPhins says:

    So is Kish done now? Seriously… Can you even give him credit for DeBerry? No…

    • Brian says:

      He’s always been done – That’s probably why you’re seeing the bare minimum of effort.

      • SoonerfanTU says:

        I don’t agree. I think had he been able to land DeBerry (in part), Wheeler, McKee, and say a Smith or McGinnis, or somebody like that, I think he might have saved his job, from a recruiting standpoint. That said, Bob still might have wanted to bring in new blood from a coaching/scheme standpoint, but with Kish missing out on so many of the talented kids we thought we might land, I’d say he is definitely gone. Wait and see on this class has always been my opinion with Kish. He is now missing on good recruits we thought we’d land a couple of. Can’t do that.

  • Mizuno44 says:

    These recent losses aren’t primary targets, I believe at this stage, all of our efforts are going towards solidifying one more top LB, and we’re done. We’ve already witnessed this as we closed shop on the DB’s. I also believe Riley was granted some freedom to bring on a few additional offensive weapons, so our “home stretch to NSD” was altered once the offensive coaching changes were made.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Mizuno, This is what I thought. But I just don’t know. There are 12 LBS listed for 2015. But others on this site are saying we need LBS. Just two is good, I suppose, but they only have one.

      • BoomerDave says:

        OMG!!! The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Perhaps to be much closer to home? Just a wild guess. Lol.

      • SoonerfanTU says:

        We are fine going into 2015. Especially if we land Smith, and maybe McGinnis.

        We also return Striker, Bond, Alexander, Evans, Shannon, and Bolton. Coupled with DeBerry and the two above, that is a good group for 2015, and maybe next year with so many leaving and probably a new LB coach, we will be in a spot to land a stud or two.

      • Mizuno44 says:

        I’m not convinced the coaches feel the desperation I’ve read on this site, or from other sites, about our LB situation. Landing DeBerry was huge, and I do believe the Jefferson plus Daddy, and Josh Smith trio is in play. We recruited three guys last year, plus the guys we currently have, we are fine.

    • Katyboomer says:

      Agree, but why the late offer to Thomas?

      • Mizuno44 says:

        Honestly, I think and hope it was a monumental goof on our part, otherwise just plain not good for anyone.

        • Jed says:

          Maybe it was more of a shrug, offer and see if lightening strikes. You see a similar approach sometimes in business where a deal sits there a bit longer than you’d thought possible and so you stick in an offer on a ‘What the Hell’ basis.

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    McKee too? Okay, clearly no priority on LB’s. If that is not the case, can anyone offer a reason why someone would choose Pitt over OU? Last I checked Marino and Dorsett retired. Is it really on Kish? Why only DeBerry? What is the LB world coming to? Has OU not focused on LBS this cycle deeming it as not a priority? Or is the perception that OU does not churn out out pro prospects at LB? What is it?

  • RBear says:

    Is there any player on the roster currently not playing LB that the staff could possibly convert besides Ross?

  • Jeremy Phillips says:

    If we land Smith, McGinnis & Deberry, will everyone still freak out about LB’er recruiting..? Would Kish get any credit? He’s gotten no credit for any of his previous classes & he gets no credit for Deberry….

    • Zack says:

      Nope all the credit would go to the other recruiters. I think for kish to stay on staff we would just have to live with the fact that he’s not a closer.

      • BoomerDave says:

        Agreed. Bob loves him as a LB coach. Let Monty take over the recruitment of LB’s in addition to DL. Not a big deal, IMO. This way you get the LB coach Bob obviously wants and you have the best recruiter in the country bringing in your backers. Best of both worlds.

        • Fear The Magic says:

          The problem with that is that some kids want to feel that connection with their actual position coach not just the coach that recruits them.
          Kish might be the best coach in the world but if the chemistry isnt there its a turn off for some recruits.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Hypothetical. As I understand it per TFB it was Monty who was the driving force. But if they are wrong…Kish will get his due.

    • curt gomer says:

      If JM wasnt involved id bet my last dollar we wouldnt have DeBerry either

      • Jeremy Phillips says:

        I’m not really arguing Deberry.. even though on the recruiting sites both Kish & Monty get credit.. I’m arguing all the other commitments nobody gives him credit for.. & would he or would he not get credit for Smith or McGinnis..?

        • curt gomer says:

          I see what your saying but as it stands his efforts recruiting LBs this year has been a failure. If he could finish and get those two guys maybe that would change.

  • GeneParmesan says:

    903 area code is, like you said, northeast Texas. A guy named Daylon Mack is from Gladewater, which would definitely be the 903.

  • Katyboomer says:

    Zack asked this : Any word on mike Hughes? Any of TFB or anybody have an update?

  • BigJoeBrown says:

    With all the news coming out about coach’s being on the road…any word on Mike Stoops? I haven’t seen any info on your updates.

    • DCinAZ says:

      Me neither. Lots of buzz from the recruiting trail for every single other coach not named Kish or Mike Stoops.

      • JD says:

        I’ve seen where Kish visited DeBerry and Thomas recently

        • DCinAZ says:

          Him visiting DeBerry, who’s already committed, is pretty pointless. DeBerry’s relationship is with Montgomery.

          • JD says:

            Not pointless…all of the coaches are still visiting with verbals..you have to hold onto them…DeBerry’s relationship isn’t just with Montgomery…Kish will be his coach

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      For what it’s worth here is an opinion from a writer in Arizona.

      ” Mike Stoops is not a social animal. Periodically, when recruits were taken to McMahon’s Steakhouse for dinner, he would watch football on TV and fail to mix with recruits and their parents. He was an X’s and O’s guy, often uncomfortable in the requisite social duties of a college football head coach in 2011. It wasn’t the only thing that cost him his job, but it was near the top of the list.”

    • JD says:

      Here you go :UPDATE (2:44 pm): Just got word that Mike Stoops was by South Grand Prairie today to see 2017 ATH Jeffrey Okudah and 2016 QB Greg Eisworth.

      • JD says:

        Doesn’t look like Mike think he’ll be gone anytime soon…The staff thinks they are a few tweaks away from where we should be..we mixed up offense (mainly to fix the qb prob) and bringing in a new db coach should yield us a better team next year

  • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

    Were there any JUCO LB’s offered by OU this class?

    • JD says:

      Juco’s would be harder to land imo since they’re looking to jump into a starting spot…we have two sophomore starters and a returning 2 year starter in senior Shannon….even though the play hasn’t been lights out last year you have to think there will be a jump in production from sophomore year to junior year and it would be a gamble by the juco coming in..Bond came in not knowing that Grissom would move to OLB…if Evans and Alexander were seniors I’m sure it would be an easier sale

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        Forgot that the returning starters have two years to go. With a couple of talented prospects one being Bolton behind them, perhaps LB is not a high priority this year? I mean, they aren’t going after a QB are they?

        • JD says:

          It’s not as high as the fans wish it were lol…I’m thinking the coaches like the progress of Tay Evans and Bolton..and with the return of Shannon it enabled them to be tight with their offers and not just add bodies….offering Thomas after the atm commit kinda goes against that though and looks like desperation…maybe we finally offer Whitfield…all in all I think next year is really important in bringing in more guys…(heard they only wanted two this year)…on another note, I wish they’d went after juco Davon Durant (ASU commit)..he was a stud and had the sized the fans are desiring

  • Josh says:

    OU shouldn’t ever lose a kid to freakin Pitt! Just show them this…

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54EV42w4_t0

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Scott Hill. Dorsett almost lost his head to OU.

    • Defend Colfax says:

      Hit that man!

    • Jed says:

      One of my favorite hits of all time. One of my favorite games as well. Dorsett was going to destroy OU according to the press. Instead he got the complete ‘reboot’ hit. That’s where your entire nervous system gets rebooted.
      I remember watching his hands rise up from the ground a couple of times and then fall back while the rest of his body kind of vibrated. I honestly thought he’d been paralyzed or killed.

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        Yep. Little Joe upstaged him with 146 yards as I recall. We need the days when people feared OU.

    • BloodRed says:

      Josh hate to tell ya buddy but this aint no Oklahoma 1975 defense nor offense. Nor mentality, attitude, there is no emotion, folks clowning around at practices. Certainly no fans to see it. One of my fondest memories was getting a chance to look at that 1973 book about Switzer’s Oklahoma program! We are in no man’s land here folks. I said it one I’ve said it twice the culture in Norman has changed and not for the better. I hope I get to meet some proud sooners when I visit Norman next season. It will probably be eventful I’d imagine…

      • Defend Colfax says:

        What game are you coming to?

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        Can’t disagree. But it is not just the coaches. Players have changed.

        • BloodRed says:

          No doubt of that! But even well this is kinda harsh but I know of former Canes players that visited especially when a former Cane was head coach and they used to line these boys up & rip them a new one! They did have their best year there that happened if I remember….

    • Perry Dickey says:

      The regard and status placed on this video is the very reason kids don’t want to wrap up when they tackle. Its not deemed ‘glamorous’ enough.

  • Sooner_Ace says:

    OK not a bash at all, or piling on as it were, but do you see OUr guys going back to 4-3 or even a 50 defense due to lack of LB bodies?….

    • JD says:

      no…with the 34 for you can look at one of the OLBs as being a 43 DE and the other could even be NB in our league…really on need two more traditional backers instead of the 3 needed for the 43 although we made the SAM hybrid for our league anyways

    • Sam Sherwood says:

      Once conference play started, OU couldn’t stop anyone on 3rd/4th and 2 yds or less on running plays. Mike Stoops stayed with his 3-4 personnel in these “goal line” situations. When we had 2nd & goal from the 3 yard line against K-State, Snyder sent in 6 beefy D Linemen and stuffed us 3 times in a row… catch a clue MS.
      Baylor and KState converted 34/4th and short over and over again.
      I hope Stoops does SOMETHING different next year.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      We have plenty of bodies for 2015. Plenty.

  • BloodRed says:

    Wow Gerald McCoy is not pulling any punches…I wonder why Stoops has not been asked to come down for a chit chat with first take?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa-9a4-lJFU&x-yt-ts=1421782837&x-yt-cl=84359240#t=439 Oh and this is not Barack Obama, but I’m pretty sure he is celebrating along with his family when Obama won TWICE…..

    • SamSooner says:

      Please clarify your Barack comment. You are at a precipice, FYI.

    • Lincoln Hawk says:

      Great….way to bring up politics….this should be fun

      • BloodRed says:

        Hawk not politics at all…I was making a case for change in culture of our beloved program…Was attacked(not surprisingly) and a I used a “lipsick on a pic” quote that was used by John McCain(not so eloquently) then Obama(more eloquently) that is all…

        • Jed says:

          Red, if you’ve been on other boards, you’ll understand what this is such a hot button issue. There are sooner fan based chat boards with oodles of political content if you’re looking for it. Ask if you need suggestions.
          Regards

          • BloodRed says:

            Brother I’m talking OU football and a case for change. I don’t care who is president right now or anything. If you want I’ll try to find a Bill Parcells lipstick on a pig comment so that may please you…

          • Jordan Esco says:

            Just better safe to not even broach the subject of politics or those involved w/ it.

          • BloodRed says:

            Gotcha.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Appreciate you posting the video, but please keep this a politics free zone, thanks!

      • BloodRed says:

        Did anyone see my Article on the Patriots & Seahawks matchup??

      • Perry Dickey says:

        Appreciate this about you guys as much as the excellent information network you provide. This is a big BOOM from me.

    • Malicong says:

      I don’t trust anything that comes out of Skip Bayless (aka Mr Knee Jerk Reaction). He would have had Stoops fired after the 1999 season for not winning it all in his first year.
      McCoy never says he thinks Stoops should go, he just said if he doesn’t move on (which he is not, of course) then something has to change. That isn’t anything groundbreaking and that process has already begun.

      I know you want Stoops fired and there is nothing wrong with that. But at the same time, there are numerous fans from other schools that would love to see OU start over without him the same way many people would like Saban to leave Alabama. He is still a big name coach with a proven record of winning. You don’t kick coaches like that to the curb. He should be given every chance to return the program to NC contention. If it doesn’t happen, he will be gone, but the process has to run it’s course. There is an equal if not more of a chance that he will return the program to elite status.

      • BloodRed says:

        Trust me, If I feel this way, it took a looooooooooooong time for me to get at this place. But there is no change coming since all the good coaches are already someplace else so yes he atleast deserves the chance at righting the ship and cementing his legacy. I hope he’s here the next 2-3 yrs to do it…

    • OkieRandolph says:

      Geeeezzz, I hope none of our sunshine pumpers watch this video of Gerald’s. I mean, you know WE’RE OK, OUR LINEBACKERS PLAYED WELL, STOOPS IS DOING A GREAT JOB, MIKE KNOWS WHAT HE”S DOING, OUR RECRUITING IS OUTSTANDING……yada yada yada. Gerald, way to go man. I agree with you 100%

  • Bob Barker says:

    Someone with twitter DM Lincoln Riley this article… http://michigan.247sports.com/Bolt/Gentry-Officially-Visiting-Michigan–34956930

    Might be worth an offer. Never hurts to take one QB per class.

    Disclaimer: I have no idea if this kid would entertain us or not. But I saw that we did not offer previously.

    • Zack says:

      Kyle kearns is a name some keep asking about. He was committed to smu. I think he would be worth it if riley wants a qb this year.

      • JD says:

        Is Riley actively recruiting anybody not named Murray…or Mike Hughes (although I see Hughes as a wr)…not sure QB is as bad as people think..We have 4 guys on campus…I happen to think Thomas will excel under the new scheme

        • Bob Barker says:

          He’s going to have to get markedly better with his accuracy then. Or maybe stop playing baseball.

          Also, I feel it’s good to take one every year. You never know what’s going to happen between transfers, injuries, etc. Competition doesn’t hurt.

          • JD says:

            You’d be surprised how a dif offense will bring out a qb different…with the air raid we won’t have to do too much think and will get the ball out fast…when you play fast you think less and just go off of muscle memory…Thomas was an accurate guy in hs and looks good in practice as well..Things will be better next year..I’m pretty excited getting back to the Hurry Up.. I think with our personnel (even rbs) we can be ever bit as good as Baylor and TCU

        • Zack says:

          I definitely see Hughes as a receiver. I don’t think we need a qb this year I would rather add depth else where

    • Bob Barker says:

      Anyone know if we’re looking at any “preferred walk-on” QB’s?

  • CS says:

    How did Kish ever recruit in AZ when he can’t at THE U of OKLAHOMA? And more importantly, how did MStoops convince Bob to hire him? – also why did we not ask these questions when Kish was hired? Ohhhhh well!!

    • Bob Barker says:

      I think there were a few folks wondering if Kish was the right guy even then. And then most gave him a pass after year one. But it’s run it’s course.

      The weirdest thing is, Kish and Mikey don’t even seem to be on the same page half the time.

      • BloodRed says:

        Yeah I was one of them U should of heard me on the scout board…It was hilarious. But for reason we’ll never understand he ‘s here. So they must like what he’s doing….

      • Jed says:

        Kish also snuck in during the period when everyone was deer-in-headlights stunned by the hiring of Kittle.
        And willing to grant St. Mike pretty much carte blanche

    • JD says:

      Year two under Kish was considerably better than year one when Mike experimented with the 416..last year Boren took away our most experience backer…it’s not like he has been getting a lot of help yet the backer play isn’t terrible..maybe not lights out awesome…but with the experience the young guys have gained they’re only going to get better with knowledge and more muscle

  • MJ says:

    You send Kish when you really don’t want a player it seems.

  • OkieRandolph says:

    I don’t know what everyone else thinks, but that tweet out from Dwain Thomas is not only painful to read, but to me it’s a DEMAND that needs answers and someone has to be held accountable. RIDICULOUS !!!!

    • BoomerDave says:

      LMAO!! DEMAND what answers??? Thomas is a 2* kid that we offered at the last minute when are top priority guys didn’t pan out. Now all of a sudden this DEMANDS answers and and “someone has to held accountable” for it. LMAO. Over-react much?

      • OkieRandolph says:

        Yeah, a 2* that Tx A&M thought enough of to offer, and they had not been turned down by 11 others prior like we had. I see 3 others on their list (1 looks like a DE maybe). When you back burner kids to the witching hour you look like chumps. Embarrassing

        • BoomerDave says:

          You have no idea who A&M has been turned down by, now do you? If A&M thought so highly of Thomas, why did they just now offer him? He was obviously a Plan B guy for them as well.

          • Jhwig says:

            Probably more like plan C or D…

          • BoomerDave says:

            Agreed. Never seen so many people getting all worked up over a 2* player who doesn’t have a natural position.

          • OkieRandolph says:

            what ever plan he was, it flopped

          • OkieRandolph says:

            Well, they got him and we didn’t and would like to have gotten him it appears. But you sound like you are happy with the status quo of things and everything is OK with the football program. But we’ll just differ.

        • JD says:

          ATM suks on defense lol

        • boomersooner says:

          a&m offered? well we should just reconsider our whole class and see who they offered and learn from them. they have so much history and tradition, it just screams “follow us to the promised land”. or is it because they just moved to the sec and everyone should bow down to them? i guess one positive of moving to the sec is you get to go back in time and any year you wanna claim a national title you get the go ahead. give bob a call and tell him who you see getting offers and who should sign with OU and see what he says. i’ve got a few minutes, so i’ll anxiously await the reply

          • OkieRandolph says:

            Hey boomer, I just looked at their list. We went head to head with A&M on 36 kids, they got 11 and we got 5. The rest went elsewhere. That’s a big change over the last 6-8 years. We owned them in the “early” years of Stoops’ tenure. It’s my opinion, we’re losing ground and i believe it’s been since the return of Mike and him bringing in Kish. Like I said, it’s my opinion.

          • boomersooner says:

            i know. just like its your opinion that we’re sunshine pumpers and all you pessimists are realists. you’re entitled to yours and i’m entitled to mine. i just don’t go around thinking i know it all or know more than the coaches. hence the difference between optimists and pessimists. you guys think/”know” you are right and think you have balls or something by questioning or standing up to authority. and we say “neato” and watch stuff happen and roll with it. we both wanna win. its just my side of the aisle doesn’t think we know everything

          • OkieRandolph says:

            Sounds logical to me. we’ll disagree on the subject. By the way, NOBODY, and I mean NOBDDY love the Sooners more than I do. AND I’m sure you feel the same.

          • boomersooner says:

            good. and yes. and i’m sorry if that came across as douchey because you always seem to be level headed even though you’re on the pessimistic side 🙂

          • OkieRandolph says:

            ha

    • soonerthunder says:

      You need to not follow recruiting. This happens a lot every year with every school. The coaches know what they are doing. Stay off recruiting boards.

  • BloodRed says:

    Well fellas I can understand Bob not firing his brother. Blood is thicker….Your talking about peoples livelihood and all..So I just hope he can get some people signed and people playing better on defense…..

    • Dustin says:

      I don’t like this

    • JD says:

      Dang that sux..but I’m sure they’re excited about Stephens and he may well turn out to be a better option…we’ll just have to wait and see…hope Lawton isn’t too hurt over the recruiting in the town has gone this year…Lawton is usually pretty good to OU

    • Bob Barker says:

      Makes me wonder if someone on the team was going to transfer and instead decided to stay?

      Or Riley convinced him he needed WR’s more than the D needed CB’s.

      Or it was first come, first served between he and Stephens.

      Or I have no idea what I’m talking about. One of the above.

      • JD says:

        it could be any of those things you’ve listed

      • Zack says:

        One of those definitely has to be right. My opinion is that Riley wants to add a couple pieces on offense since basically everything according to the original numbers plan was locked up for offense. I think they want to give riley at least 2 more receivers.

        • Jhwig says:

          What receiver(s) in addition to Van Jefferson? AD Miller is the only guy that I can think of where we have a realistic shot…and we are just wasting a scholarship.

          • JD says:

            Mike Hughes is the other guy

          • Jhwig says:

            No offer….yet

          • JD says:

            They’ve been in constant contact since Riley came here so I expect one soon if it hasn’t already happened

          • Jhwig says:

            Have they? I know Riley recruited Hughes at ECU and follows him on twitter…but do we know anything solid?

          • JD says:

            Per TFB ….Our guy Alex reached out to him and can confirm that Riley, who was recruiting Hughes to ECU, has been in touch with him since coming to OU. In fact, the two spoke as recently as Monday night and have spoken regularly since Lincoln came to Norman.

          • Jhwig says:

            Excellent. Must have missed that. Thanks!

          • Zack says:

            I think Jefferson and newsome are the top 2 guys. I think it’s likely that we miss on newsome since he’s already released a top 2 and we weren’t there. So I would say Hughes gets the next look and if his situation with North Carolina gets resolved then it would be ad miller.

          • j l says:

            What about reed, the kid from coffeyville?

          • Zack says:

            I don’t think that’s gonna happen.

    • Bob Barker says:

      Not to bash the kid whatsoever, but this is why qualifying as early as possible is important.

    • Doobie74OU says:

      So they pulled the scholarship offer that they only made a couple weeks ago? Something about this seems weird! Is there a surprise coming at DB or were we really just going to take the first one to commit out of Stephens, Orr, Dalton, Reid, and Patterson and then shut it down?

      • Jhwig says:

        Several things: (1) you have 4 DBs already committed, (2) Patterson is not an elite talent and you don’t need to collect bodies, (3) OU probably feels good about some guys that they think they will land and it’s about numbers.

        I have absolutely no way of knowing this, but something tells me that the offer to Patterson was never one that could be immediately accepted. An offer contingent on what was happening with other guys.

        • JD says:

          Looks like we backed off Reid after we got Stephens as well..I think we were only going to take one more and Stephens was the one they wanted (can play safety too)…they had an in home with 4 coaches last week and we didn’t see that with Patterson

          • Jhwig says:

            I don’t think there’s any doubt that after Stephens committed, Stoops and Co reevaluated and decided to go with what they had at DB and not continue recruiting Dalton, Orr, Patterson or Reid.

          • JD says:

            yep because it seems like along the same time line we see both Orr and Dalton eliminate us and we canceled an in home with Reid as well…We got who were happy with to finish the db group

          • gtq says:

            Could also be once Riley was hired as OC the coaching staff decided to give him an extra spot to recruit one of his and took that spot away from the secondary. Because it seems like they were open to taking another DB until just recently. This could be the “other direction” they are going in.

          • JD says:

            That’s a def possibility

          • SoonerfanTU says:

            I don’t believe that. I don’t think Reid is the kind of talent you back away from. I think he let OU know, or was letting them know indirectly, that he wasn’t coming to OU.

            JMO.

          • JD says:

            Well that’s def possible …hard to tell..either way we canceled the in home visiting after Stephens had committed and also turnt down Patterson so there’s really only a few people that know for sure

          • Jhwig says:

            I do not think that there’s any question that OU removed itself from Reid’s recruitment. I am fairly certain I read that here or some other site.

            Also, the timing would be an incredible coincidence. OU backs off Dalton, Patterson and Orr at the same time that Reid removes OU from his top 4.

        • Doobie74OU says:

          Yeah that is what was confusing cause Patterson has been saying since day one if he got an offer he would be a Sooner seems like they wouldn’t even have offered and just waited to see if they could get one of the other guys. Now it kind of has the appearance that they pulled a offer. I don’t think Patterson was the key to a defensive transformation or anything just weird timing on some things lately! But there is always some weirdness to recruiting!

        • BoomerDave says:

          This!

    • Katyboomer says:

      Grades, are they ok and if not will they be good to go by NSD? If not then I can see why CBS would not want to risk a spot, after all we are not in the SEC

      • Jhwig says:

        Last I heard his test score was high enough to qualify.

        • Katyboomer says:

          Hmm then I have no ideal, but we are only hearing one side of the story and don’t ever get to hear the coaches side of the story

          • Jonathan Taylor says:

            They have quite a few DBs in the class so they may be cutting loose the last few so they can focus on other positions of need. LB’d be a good start! Lol.

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      Hate to see things like this, but Bob has to whats best for the football team.

  • Tony says:

    Ready for some sort of good news coming out of Norman football wise.

  • Bob Barker says:

    How about a game… Everyone predict the number of players we sign on signing day, and name one guy you think will have the biggest impact as a True Freshman.

    I’m going 23 and Van Jefferson.

  • Defend Colfax says:

    Samia is a great kid. Probably the most overlooked stud on the commit list. Great Oline build. Looks like an all pro guard already.

  • Jonathan Taylor says:

    Dru is Polynesian so those guys are usually great lineman (O/D) they just always seem to posses naturally outlandish strength to me. Wish we could get some more island boys to OU. Lol.

    • Doobie74OU says:

      I think Monty has been trying his best to open that avenue for the past couple years. We know how hard he works so he will probably make it happen!

      • Jonathan Taylor says:

        Gotta recruit Texas, Utah, Arizona, N. California, and Hawaii. Best places to find them. I’d also be all for them to go recruit some of the native (indian) players. Great athletes.

        • KJ1123 says:

          Monty supposedly will be headed to the Islands this summer for Troy Polumalus annual football camp. Oklahoma has always been big in the islands. Hes been around alot of polynesians he could recruit well there.

      • JD says:

        CJ Ah You is on staff as well…we lead for his nephew (or some relative) for 2017

    • akryan says:

      I have a ton of experience working with Polys up here in AK; believe it or not, there are more here by percentage than any state but HI. The thing about getting in with Polys is that they’re extremely family and community oriented. There are almost no single parent households and everyone else is an Auntie, Uncle, or cousin. They’ll go to church 5 days a week. So, if you start making inroads and you’re known as being trustworthy, you’ll have an open door to talk to all of them.

      • Jonathan Taylor says:

        I knew I was missing a state somewhere. AK could be a nice little treasure trove if we tried to mine it. This coaching staff seems to focus heavily on families so they could have a gold mine…or a blood diamond mine. Lol

  • Doobie74OU says:

    Funny true story! I got the morning off from work for like the first time in 457245 years it seems so I slept in till 9am, walked around the house, took the dog for a walk, and finally came to my computer just a bit before 10am . Hit the Football Brainiacs tab and the first thing I see is “Open Post (Update 9:16am) and I literally get kind of depressed and think to myself “Damn I already missed the thrill of the first Update!” Glad there were a few others today to pick me up! Some Updates were more positive than others but with all Updates the picture is becoming clearer so I love them all! Thanks Again!!!!!

  • Randy says:

    Who is the QB (10) in the WR Dickson highlights ??

  • Boomer4life says:

    Heard from a somewhat reliable source that Van Jefferson is a silent commit and that he has already told the coaches.

  • KJ1123 says:

    Heard that Stoops is in SoCal now for Houston. That would be a big time BOOM!

  • bmrsnr says:

    Did Will Johnson ever make it in?

  • Mizuno44 says:

    Would hate to lose J Wariboko, but don’t think it would be a catastrophe by any means.

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    Go ahead Wariboko. Go to Ohio state. We play them soon. You’re going to be on the wrong side of an ass whipping though.

  • KJ1123 says:

    I think Josh wants to leave, but the fanbase in LA is nothing like Norman, one of the things his parents didn’t like about UCLA. But they apparently really liked the coaching staff. Also still think Maea Teuhema is in play. Either one of those guys would be great.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    I’m too old to cry over what some high school kid does, it happens every year yet we all cheer and say BOOM on NSD. Every year.

  • Hotrod33 says:

    What gets me more than anything is that we offer a kid(Patterson) that finally made his ACT score and then commits and Bob says we are going in another direction and then we don’t offer another guy(Thomas) he commits to A&M then Kish offers him. I don’t get it. The only problem I have is that Bob IMO is burning some bridges with some of these coaches and if they ever have another good player then they might not consider OU. This recruiting year has been very bizarre. NSD will be entertaining to say the least.

    • EasTex says:

      I think it is important to keep in mind that the coaches have actually met these young men, shook their hands, looked into their eyes and listened to them. The coaches know more about these recruits than we ever will.

    • Zack says:

      It is confusing But maybe stoops has an issue with the 2 Lawton kids not committing on the spot

    • Steve Cooke says:

      There might be issues with his act score. The rumors are there was a big jump in his last test from the previous one. They are afraid the NCAA might require him to retake it.

    • Doobie74OU says:

      I agree with you on the surface but it is hard to know what is going on behind the scenes. Maybe the guy that they want as DB coach isn’t a fan of Patterson but he wasn’t around a couple weeks back to express that to anybody. And I hat that we missed on Thomas but it truly may have been because they thought they were in a good place for players they liked better. On the surface I am frustrated as well but I’m trying to keep in mind that a lot of things are changing on the coaching staff on our team right now. I hope we are not burning bridges though!

      • Hotrod33 says:

        I’m trying to be patient with everything going on but with so much uncertainty surrounding the coaching staff this is not the time to be messing around. It is easy to see what is on the surface that if you take a step back then we might actually see what is really happening. We are blinded by all the coaching uncertainty.

  • Doobie74OU says:

    If playing time is an interest for Wariboko I’m not sure what he sees in tOSU except for a bunch of compitition. Sure he thinks he can beat out anybody but they have 1 SR graduating, 4 JRs, 3 SOs, 7 FRs, and 5 OL commits already for this class. And they return all but one starter and all their back-ups.

    • Zack says:

      They did just win a natty. Meyer has won 3 since 2006 so I can’t blame the kid.

      • Doobie74OU says:

        No I can’t blame him either just got a ton of OL guys and they are all really young!

        • Zack says:

          Well but we too are bringing in 5 guys already. Just brought in 4 last year. I think wariboko ends up at OU. Since he’s going to NSD I think OU will have the best chance

          • Doobie74OU says:

            OU looses 11 OL in the next two years but this is all simantics cause I agree that as of right now I think he will be at OU as well. He liked OU enough to commit once and his family loves OU and tOSU isn’t offering his brother so they don’t have that advantage.

          • Zack says:

            And I think the closer it gets Sunderland will try to get in his ear and get him to visit Norman some more

          • Doobie74OU says:

            I think the 2016 guy they need to be trying to find right now is a Dylan Mack type kid (obviously somebody that plays that well but mainly reffering to his recruiting ability right now)! I know it didn’t work out for him and aTm but that kid was a recruiting fool for them for several months. We need a early commit from a guy like that so he can get in everybodies ear now!

          • Zack says:

            Yeah I agree or like a Mckenzie for Tennessee. Unfortunately I’m not familiar with many 2016 kids yet. We will see after the junior days and later into summer when the camps start. It won’t take long to figure out who the stars of the class are going to be.

  • Zack says:

    https://twitter.com/daishonneal90/status/558437430991142912

    I think this is all but a lock right now. I guess he’s still visiting Oregon next week but I don’t think Oregon is putting on the full court press like we are

  • EasTex says:

    Bro calling me telling me nothing but good news,so ready to go to Norman & do big things with @DedeTHEGreat11 #BoomerNation— Aaron Sims (@Asims_14) January 23, 2015

    I’m pulling for this young man. I think he brings a level of excitement to the game much like Jalen Saunders.

  • Jeff says:

    So Patterson wanted to commit but Stoops said no??

    • Sooner Ray says:

      Yes.

      • Mizuno44 says:

        Whoa, didn’t know that. New nickname, “Hardcore Bob”?

        • Sooner Ray says:

          He’s not being hard core as much as cautious. There is a lot to consider with this kid.

      • Jeff says:

        I guess OU went 12-1 last year

        • SoonerinLondon says:

          Well, actually, we were two pick 6’s and 1 brain hemorrhoid second punt from 11-2.

          Amazing just how close we were to not feeling like we feel right now.

          • NoahPinion says:

            With the bowl game and Baylor embarrassment I would still be feeling crappy.

          • JD says:

            win those 2games and we’re in another bowl andor play a totally diff game…heck win those two and we might have made the playoff..1 loss OU is >>>>>>>than a 1 loss TCU or Baylor

          • NoahPinion says:

            It would have not been a pretty sight watching this team (that got annihilated by Clemson & Baylor) in the playoff. Ha I would hope we would have done good and beat Alabama again, but I am just not seeing it with this years team. Hopeful for next years team though!

          • boomersooner says:

            you never know. with those wins it would be a whole different team. more confidence in themselves and each other. hard to see a non existent future or past

          • Sooner Ray says:

            Sunshine and optimism will not be tolerated in this establishment! 🙂

          • NoahPinion says:

            Gotta have a reason to get up in the morning 🙂

          • NoahPinion says:

            Not seeing it with the quarterback play, wide receiver play, and non-existent pass defense.

          • NoahPinion says:

            Hopefully in 2015!

          • JD says:

            butt…not with this qb, wr and defense…nope…won’t happen

          • boomersooner says:

            so you’re saying its a big ol’ butt?

          • JD says:

            lol meant to stutter …but…but..but…

          • boomersooner says:

            hope he doesn’t think i’m picking on him or anything but its funny when the pessimists even invent stuff to be pessimistic about.

            the bearable ones are the level headed ones and the funny ones. randolph, and toats come to mind. this guy i think is funny if memory serves

          • JD says:

            It’s all water under the bridge with me…hard to imagine the mental make up of the team being the same with those wins…nobody gave us a chance against Bama and our guys showed some focus and execution at it’s finest

          • boomersooner says:

            that gif last yr of bob punching saban was priceless. he was so fired up against the aggies and bama. those 2 games were so much fun for me as a fan, i know that it musta got those kids on some kinda high and coaches too

          • JD says:

            no doubt about it!

          • NoahPinion says:

            With the seemingly changed culture, new coaches, and new recruits I can only hope its a better product this upcoming season.

          • Exiled In Ohio says:

            Exactly!

          • JD says:

            Do you think in an alternate future things are the same when something is changed in the past…TK might have poured sugar on Bama part 2…geezz! don’t you watch tv

          • NoahPinion says:

            Haha then find a time machine and change it! I want this season completely changed. Wheres the Delorean?

          • JD says:

            Never mind….

          • OohRah Mama says:

            With all due respect, the mindset of “almost won” is a mindset at which
            we used to laugh at the Pokes. I’m staying far away from that one.

          • JD says:

            Ok..undefeated or bust…guess I think like a coach..when evaluating a game….a play or two could have made a diff in a few of our games…there is no denying that…even Stoops said as suck…guess he has the poke mindset as well

    • Zack says:

      There’s got to be more to this story. I’d like to know

  • JD says:

    Tennessee have any guys we might like…they’re having some internal issues right now..someone said Butch went ‘mangino” on some guys and 4 or 5 have left…anybody know what’s going on …is this old news

  • Boomer4life says:

    The doc said I was suffering from BOOM withdrawals.

  • Boomer4life says:

    Yep!

  • Exiled In Ohio says:

    Hey JM … time for a boom! People are just sitting here on this site waiting for your twitter to bring big news.

  • thebigdroot says:

    @TheKylerMurray: Meet the body guard… G Real! @TheGreglittle74 http://t.co/4aOFJGd7xb
    This makes the guy look small. IMOP